Who doesn’t want a resilient, low-maintenance lawn?
The answer is likely all homeowners.
Bermuda grass is often the answer to those of us looking for a durable lawn without putting in long hours of mowing, watering, and fertilizing during the growing season.
There are many reasons we tend to land on Bermuda grass varieties when looking to establish a new lawn.
With so many products out there, it’s often overwhelming to decide which one to buy.
Luckily, we have a comprehensive list of the top 9 best Bermuda grass seeds to choose from for your lawn.
We’ll also go over common questions when establishing a new Bermuda grass lawn.
Let’s get started on the best products out there for Bermuda grass seeds.
Table of Contents
Pennington Bermudagrass Bare Spot Grass Seed
The Pennington One Step Complete Bermudagrass Bare Spot Grass Seed is an awesome three-part combination product.
It features mulch for retaining proper moisture levels, fertilizer to boost growth, and quality Bermuda grass seed.
Combining these ingredients puts all the work into a single step of spreading.
This product is ideal for quickly establishing grass and filling in any patches with a pre-mixed formula.
The Pennington One Step Complete Bermuda grass germinates within 7-14 days.
The mulch is especially great as it helps to absorb all the increased moisture needs of germinating seeds.
In general, your lawn requires much more water during the seeding process than it does when it’s established.
Having mulch in the mix helps reduce the amount of water needed.
While this product is fantastic for filling patches and smaller areas, it is not ideal for establishing an entirely new lawn.
If you already have a Bermuda grass lawn or are looking to fill in stubborn bald patches, this is a great product to fill out your lawn.
Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R Lawn Bermudagrass
Look no further than the Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R Lawn Bermudagrass for all your 3 in 1 grass seed needs.
The formula contains seed, fertilizer, and soil improver, making it an excellent combination for establishing grass on your lawn.
Scotts is one of the biggest names in the lawn care industry, and for a good reason.
Their products have high success rates and help fill in any gaps in your lawn.
We especially love the soil improvement part of this 3 in 1 combination product.
It contains vital nutrients and organic materials to promote optimal root development.
Strong roots are key for fostering a lush and dense lawn capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic, disease, and harmful bacteria.
We also love the slow-release technology of the fertilizer in Scotts Turf Builder Thick’R Lawn.
It helps to promote greener and thicker lawns for both new and existing grass on your lawn.
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermuda Grass
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermuda Grass is perfect for those looking for a dense, carpet-like lawn in high-heat areas.
The formula is targeted to grow in places with excessive heat, like intense summers in southern states.
This is especially great for those who struggle with patchy or dried-out lawns.
We all hate to see bare spots in our yards after spending so much time, energy, and money establishing a lawn.
Luckily, this product from Scotts helps address and correct all those problems.
Scotts uses an exclusive 4 in 1 WaterSmart Plus coating on its seeds in this product.
This allows for higher water retention, which is extremely helpful in hot conditions when drying out and drought are serious concerns.
It also helps feed nutrients to seeds while protecting them against disease.
The Bermuda grass seed from Scotts is designed to spread aggressively to limit the potential for bare spots on the lawn.
It is also designed to feature fine blades for better texture than other common Bermuda grass varieties.
Outsidepride Arden 15 Hybrid Bermuda Grass Seed
Arden 15 is a hybrid variety of Bermuda grass.
It is cultivated to produce deeper green hues on your lawn.
Arden 15 is also designed to be more tolerant of colder weather than other grass seed varieties.
This allows for your lawn to stay greener for longer into the season when temperatures start to drop.
The Outsidepride Arden 15 Hybrid Bermuda Grass Seed requires full sun and well-draining soil to establish successfully.
The manufacturer advertises germination occurring 10-14 days after planting.
Once germinated, expect to see full coverage in 4-6 weeks.
The seeds in this product are coated to promote resistance against disease.
The coating also helps the seeds retain moisture, which is incredibly important during germination.
Many people opt for the hybrid varieties of Bermuda grass seed to get vibrant coloring and optimal texture.
The Arden 15 variety is one of the most improved-upon types of Bermuda grass seed available.
Princess 77 Bermuda Grass Seed
The Princess 77 Bermuda grass seed is a coveted hybrid variety.
This type of grass seed is known for its improved texture and color compared to traditional or common Bermuda grass varieties.
The Princess 77 variety is celebrated for its medium-fine leaf texture and high leaf density, making it an excellent option for establishing a high-quality lawn.
The Princess 77 type of seed is characterized by its high tolerance to sun and heat.
It is also very drought resistant and produces a deep green color.
Under ideal conditions and care, establishment times for full coverage range from about 4-6 weeks after planting.
One of the most alluring aspects of this type of grass is its density.
Many golf courses use these varieties for putting greens. Its density makes it very durable and lush.
This type of grass is excellent for golf courses and homeowners seeking a dense and carpet-like lawn.
The hybrid Bermuda grass varieties like Princess 77 give you all the benefits of hardy and durable turf grasses combined with the aesthetic beauty of more delicate ornamental grasses.
Pennington Bermuda Grass Seed
The Pennington Bermuda Grass Seed is an excellent option for establishing a new lawn.
It features a blend of different Bermuda grass varieties for an optimal mix.
The manufacturer boasts tolerance to both drought and wear, making it a great option for those of us with children and pets enjoying our yards.
The formula of this particular grass seed product from Pennington is designed for self-repair through aggressive spreading.
Bermuda grass is known for its tenacity in establishing itself and spreading to create dense coverage.
We recommend purchasing 2 lbs of grass seed per 1,000′ square feet for new lawns.
If you are interested in overseeding your lawn to promote density and fill patches, a 1 lb bag of grass seed will cover 1,000′ square feet.
Like other varieties of Bermuda grass, this product is resistant to drought and heat as well as wear and tear.
Purchasing from an established and trusted name like Pennington assures you are getting quality seeds capable of resisting disease, insects, and other pests.
Pennington Smart Seed Bermuda Grass Mix
The Pennington Smart Seed Bermuda Grass mix features an excellent combination of seed and fertilizer to grow a beautiful lawn.
Like all Bermuda varieties, this product best in warmer, southern climates on lawns with lots of sunlight.
The specialized formula in this product seeks to give 2x the coverage and speed of regular Bermuda grass seed alone.
Part of this is attributed to the Pennington Calcium Nitrate Enhancement.
This formula promotes greener grass while also speeding up visible results on your lawn.
The Smart Seed Bermuda Grass Mix works for those looking to establish an entirely new lawn.
It also is a great choice for those looking to “overseed” and fill in the gaps of their existing lawn.
Using combination products like this helps to give the grass seeds an added boost during germination.
Germination is the most important growth stage for your lawn, and giving it extra nutrients and defense sets you up for success and gets you closer to having the lush Bermuda grass lawn of your dreams.
Hancock Common Bermuda Coated & Unhulled Grass Seed
Hancock is a trusted brand in the lawn care industry.
The seeds come directly from farmers, so you know each product comes from a trusted source.
Hancock Common Bermuda Coated & Unhulled Grass Seed is a no-frills option for those looking to establish a dense lawn.
It will require further fertilization, but you know you are getting high-quality with this brand.
Like other common Bermuda grass varieties, this product works well in drought-prone areas and withstands heavy traffic.
If you have poor soil, this product does extremely well. Establishing new pastures and lawns is easy with this product.
It also works well to establish itself in areas prone to erosion and washout.
This is attributed to the unique manner in which common Bermuda grass grows.
The grass will root itself both vertically and horizontally.
This helps it grow quickly and spread aggressively.
It also helps hold the soil together through the grasses’ root system.
This is especially beneficial if you look to repair areas damaged by erosion or wash out.
Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Bermudagrass
The Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair product for Bermuda grass lawns is one of the top choices for your lawn.
Like other Scotts lawn care products, it features specially cultivated formulas to get you results fast.
This particular product is a great choice for those who experience seeds frequently washing away during rain and storms.
This product is designed with grass seed, mulch, fertilizer, and tackifier.
The high-quality grass seed is supported by mulch and fertilizer.
The mulch helps the seeds hold up to 6x their weight in water to keep moisture levels adequate.
This fertilizer helps give the seeds an added boost during germination and initial growth.
One thing setting this product apart from others is the tackifier.
The tackifier reduces the likelihood of seeds washing away.
This is often a problem for those iconic southern rainstorms.
They tend to come in with a lot of force washing away seeds and plants alike.
With the tackifier, your seeds stand a much better chance of staying put during summer rainstorms.
Common Bermuda grass Vs. Hybrid Bermuda grass
Traditional Bermuda grass, or common varieties, are known for their drought and heat resistance and durability in high traffic areas.
Other types of grass tend to be more ornamental and softer than Bermuda grass.
Luckily, hybrid varieties of Bermuda grass give you the best of both worlds.
While hybrid types tend to be a bit more expensive, they have finer blades and softer textures.
They also are cultivated to produce a richer and deeper hue than traditional varieties.
This is the main difference between common and hybrid types of Bermuda grass.
Is Bermuda Grass Right For Me?
Bermuda grass is a popular type of grass for a variety of purposes.
Many golf courses, sports fields, parks, and homeowners use Bermuda grass seed to cultivate and foster a durable and dense lawn.
The type of grass is celebrated for its drought tolerance, heat tolerance, and durability for foot traffic.
For these reasons, you may be considering Bermuda grass for your lawn, but is it right for you?
Before going out and purchasing everything you need to establish a beautiful Bermuda grass lawn, there are a few factors to consider.
Make sure this grass type hits all the boxes on your checklist.
For more info on growing it, check out our guide with different methods for helping bermuda grass grow thick and green.
Consider Climate
Bermuda grass loves heat.
It tolerates a wide range of soil types and infrequent waterings.
It is, however, a warm climate grass.
Bermuda grass needs heat to thrive and brown and die in colder climates.
While it is possible to grow in colder climates, it requires lots of effort and money to grow successfully.
For this reason, we recommend Bermuda grass to those in warmer climates with the necessary heat and sunlight.
Maintenance
One of the most alluring aspects of Bermuda grass types is its low maintenance reputation.
It doesn’t require much to establish and thrive, making it an excellent option for those with busy schedules.
Once established, it does not require constant moisture.
It does well with infrequent watering.
Regular mowing helps your lawn grow thick and fills in patches, as does fertilization.
We recommend fertilizing monthly with a nitrogen-rich product during the growing season to promote optimal growth.
Another benefit of Bermuda grass is its ability to choke out pesky unwanted weeds.
Your lawn will still benefit from weed treatments, but your lawn stands a much better chance against unwanted weeds with this tenacious type of grass.
Durability
Many sports fields, parks, and golf courses use Bermuda grass for its durability against high foot traffic.
The way the grass grows makes it very resilient against damage.
If you have children and pets, this type of grass stands an excellent chance against constant play and running around.
Texture and Color
If deep color and soft texture are on the top of your list, we recommend choosing a hybrid Bermuda grass rather than a traditional common variety.
Traditional Bermuda grass varieties tend to have wide blades and less rich color.
What they lack in vibrancy, they make up for in durability.
Luckily, you’ll have the best of both worlds with hybrid varieties.
They are specially cultivated to foster fine blades and deeper colors.
The richer hues of hybrid Bermuda grass allow lawn care enthusiasts to reap the benefits of the traditional durability and resilience while also having a soft and deeply green lawn.
Sunlight
One of the most important factors to consider when contemplating whether Bermuda grass is right for you is the amount of sunlight your property receives.
Since this type of grass loves heat, it also loves sunlight.
Most varieties require at least 6 hours of sunlight every day.
It does not do well in the shade.
Bermuda grass will likely struggle to establish itself and thrive on your property if you have a shady yard.
When To Plant Bermuda Grass
Bermuda grass loves the heat. Planting it during the warm season yields the best results and gives seeds optimal conditions to germinate and grow.
We recommend planting the grass seed when the soil temperature is between 65 and 100° degrees Fahrenheit (38° C).
To determine your soil temperature, simply place a probe thermometer into the ground to get an accurate reading.
Make sure the temperature is not over the above range for very warm climates.
This commonly happens in southern states during the summer, so make sure you check before laying the seeds on the ground.
Planting begins in the spring once the soil has warmed up with the springtime sun for most warmer climates.
It is best to plant earlier in the season, but Bermuda grass will germinate up to 6-8 weeks before the first frost of fall.
Planting earlier is better as many varieties take some time to establish themselves, and you want your lawn to be as strong and healthy as possible before it starts to get cold again.
How Often Should I Water Bermuda Grass?
Many of us in hot and dry climates prone to drought look to Bermuda grass.
This is because it does very well with little water.
However, Bermuda grass still needs water like every other plant.
The question is: how often should I water my Bermuda grass lawn?
The answer depends largely on how well established your lawn is.
During the initial germination and growing stages of your grass, you’ll need to water a bit more frequently to stick to the optimal moisture levels needed for seeds to grow healthy and strong.
For best results, we recommend water for 10-15 minutes a day at least twice a day during the hotter months.
Bermuda grass seeds require nearly constant moisture to germinate properly.
Do your best to limit puddling, leading to seeds washing away and causes a patchy lawn.
Once the lawn is fully established, you’ll only need to water it once a week.
The ideal watering is about an inch of water.
This will quench your grass and keep it growing healthy and lush for a beautiful lawn.
Tools For Planting Bermuda Grass
Establishing an entirely new lawn seems daunting at first, but the right tools set you up for success and make each step considerably more manageable.
Here are common tools needed during the process of planting Bermuda grass seeds.
Seed Spreader
A seed spreader will be your best friend during the process of planting the seeds for your lawn.
They evenly and uniformly distribute the seeds to create a consistently thick lawn with little to no patches.
To get dense grass, make sure to cross over each pass to avoid patches.
Since Bermuda grass seeds are very small, it’s best to use an adjustable seed spreader like this.
These types of spreaders have optimal settings for spreading smaller seeds evenly.
Aeration Tool
Soil prep is an important part of planting grass seeds for a lawn.
Aerating the soil allows for airflow to exist in the soil.
Seeds require proper air circulation to grow.
Consider walking with aeration shoes like this before spreading the seeds.
This also helps increase soil contact with seeds, which is very important for germination.
Sand
Bermuda grass is very tolerant of many different soil types and is known for thriving in poor soil conditions.
It still needs proper drainage to grow.
If your soil has a high concentration of clay, it may not drain enough for the seeds to germinate and grow healthy.
Many homeowners successfully sprinkle sand over the soil with high clay content to promote proper drainage.
When Do I Fertilize My Bermuda Grass Lawn?
We recommend monthly fertilization for your Bermuda grass lawn during the growing season.
The growing season usually spans the warmer months of spring and summer and into the fall before the first frost.
Regular fertilization promotes a thick and dense lawn with rich, deep green coloring.
It also helps to limit any patches where weeds have the opportunity to pop up.
Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer like this to help your lawn thrive.
Regular fertilization also helps reduce the chance of your lawn turning brown once the colder months hit.
Check out our favorite picks for bermuda grass fertilizer.